Epidemiology of cot deaths in Auckland.

The cot deaths occurring in Auckland New Zealand have been identified by one pathologist since 1970. The results have been analysed for age, season of occurrence, and race. Auckland cot deaths show a peak at two to three months of age and cluster in the winter months. Maoris have a higher rate than Europeans and Pacific Islanders a lower rate than Europeans. Cot deaths occur to babies of lower than average birth weight, and to babies sleeping prone more often than to babies sleeping in the lateral position. These latter results are not statistically significant but should be examined further.